About People First Restoration
Property Restoration with Heart. Service with Integrity.
Our Mission
At People First Restoration, our mission is to deliver an exceptional customer experience by putting people first. As a customer-centric restoration company serving Central Florida, we prioritize respect, transparency, and quality craftsmanship in every project. By focusing on transparent communication and thoughtful project management, we differentiate ourselves in an industry where growth is often pursued at the expense of genuine care.
We put people first in every aspect of our work — the customers we serve, the vendor partners we collaborate with, and the employees who power our success. This philosophy isn't just a tagline; it's the foundation of every decision we make and every project we undertake.
Our expert team is committed to delivering a stress-free experience, allowing our customers to focus on what matters most while we restore their property to pre-loss condition. When property damage strikes, you need a team that cares about more than just the bottom line. You need People First Restoration.
Meet Our Founder

Michael McKeeby
President & Founder
With nearly 15 years in the property restoration industry, Michael built People First Restoration on a simple belief: homeowners deserve better. He started as a technician, working hands-on through water damage, fire losses, and mold remediation jobs before advancing to lead multi-million dollar operations across multiple offices as Vice President of Operations for a national restoration firm.
That frontline experience showed Michael what works — and what doesn't — in an industry where customers are often treated as claim numbers rather than people. He founded People First Restoration to do things differently: transparent communication, fair pricing, and genuine care at every step of the restoration process.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University and maintains IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT), Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT), and Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT). He is also a certified Xactimate estimator, ensuring accurate and fair insurance documentation for every project.
Our Values
People First
Every decision starts with how it affects the people involved — our clients, our team, and our partners.
Integrity
We do what we say we'll do. Honest communication, fair pricing, and transparent processes guide everything we do.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards in the restoration industry. IICRC certification is just the beginning.
Community
Based in DeBary, we're proud members of the Central Florida community. Your neighbors are our neighbors.
Our Credentials
IICRC Certified
Our technicians hold certifications from the IICRC — the recognized standard of care in the restoration industry — including WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician), FSRT (Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician), and AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician).
Fully Licensed & Insured
Licensed in the state of Florida and backed by comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation coverage, providing complete protection and peace of mind for our clients and their property.
Experienced Team
Our restoration professionals have hands-on experience working with all major insurance carriers, are Xactimate-certified for accurate estimating, and meet continuing education requirements to stay current with evolving industry best practices.
Why Choose a Certified Restorer?
IICRC certification means our technicians have completed verified, hands-on training and adhere to the industry's nationally recognized standards of care. Certified restorers are required to pursue continuing education to maintain their credentials, ensuring they stay current with the latest techniques and equipment. For homeowners, this translates to accountability, proven expertise, and confidence that your property is being restored correctly the first time.
Our Service Area
Headquartered in DeBary, Florida, People First Restoration proudly serves homeowners and businesses across four Central Florida counties: Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola. From the coastal communities of Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach to the heart of Orlando and the growing neighborhoods of Kissimmee and Celebration, we're your local restoration experts.
Our location in DeBary means we can reach any community in our service area quickly — a critical advantage when dealing with property damage emergencies where every minute counts.
Ready to Experience the People First Difference?
Whether you're dealing with property damage or want to be prepared, we're here to help.
